Planning a trip, scheduling a call with a local business, or simply curious about the daily rhythm of life at the foot of Pikes Peak? Knowing the correct time in Colorado Springs, United States, is your first step to syncing with the city’s vibrant pace. This beautiful city, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, operates on a specific time zone that dictates everything from when the sun rises over the Garden of the Gods to when the last light fades from the summit.
Unlike some regions that shift their clocks, Colorado Springs adheres to a consistent time standard for most of the year, making it easier to keep track of your schedule. Whether you’re coordinating with friends back home or ensuring you don’t miss a sunrise hike, getting a handle on the local time is essential for a smooth experience in this stunning part of Colorado.
What Time Zone is Colorado Springs In?
Colorado Springs observes Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7). For most of the year, this is the time you’ll be setting your watch to. However, like most of the United States, the city does participate in Daylight Saving Time. This means that from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, the clocks “spring forward” one hour, shifting to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), or UTC-6.
During this period, you can enjoy longer evenings perfect for a stroll through downtown or a late picnic in Palmer Park. It’s a simple shift, but an important one to remember when making plans, especially if you are traveling from a state like Arizona, which does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Keeping Track of Time in Colorado Springs, United States
Staying on schedule while visiting or doing business with Colorado Springs is straightforward. A quick check on your smartphone or computer will usually automatically update to the correct local time. For those who prefer a manual check or are planning ahead, many world clock websites and apps allow you to add Colorado Springs as a location for easy reference.
When calculating the time difference, remember that Colorado is two hours behind the East Coast (Eastern Time) and one hour ahead of the West Coast (Pacific Time). This is handy to know if you have friends, family, or colleagues in those parts of the country. A 9 AM meeting in New York means it’s a gentle 7 AM start in Colorado Springs, giving you a little extra time to prepare with a cup of coffee.
How Sunrise and Sunset Shape the Day
The high-altitude location of Colorado Springs, sitting over 6,000 feet above sea level, offers a unique relationship with the sun. You’ll often find that the sun feels particularly intense, yet the days can have a brilliant clarity. Because of its position, the length of daylight changes significantly with the seasons.
In the peak of summer, you can expect the sun to rise as early as 5:30 AM and set close to 8:30 PM, providing long, glorious days for adventure. In the heart of winter, the days are much shorter, with the sun not appearing until after 7:00 AM and setting before 5:00 PM. This natural rhythm encourages a lifestyle that maximizes daylight, with many locals heading out for their activities as soon as the sun is up.
In summary, staying aware of the Mountain Time Zone and the shift to Daylight Saving Time will keep you perfectly in sync with life in Colorado Springs. With stunning natural beauty as your backdrop, knowing the local time ensures you won’t miss a moment of what this remarkable city has to offer.